There is no such thing as a “text book” building renovation project.

Every building presents its own set of strengths and weaknesses, which we thoroughly analyze. Our familiarity with historic building techniques and code requirements allows us to approach building renovation projects with a comprehensive understanding. We translate this experience into practical and innovative solutions, unique to each project.

Scope

At the heart of Manhattan’s east side, the 36-story residential tower in Kips Bay offers unbeatable comfort and convenience. Interested in maximizing the value of existing spaces, real estate agency Kibel engaged EDG to renovate approximately 20,000 sq. ft. of the property’s shared roof and ground plaza areas. EDG’s architectural and engineering team collaborated on extensive planning, design, and construction administration to reinvigorate the aesthetics and functionality at 300 East 34th Street.

Approach

EDG navigated complicated building codes, conducted structural analysis, and explored possibilities to re-purpose existing components to achieve a cohesive, welcoming design. On the ground plaza, the team introduced carefully considered geometry and materials to existing site elements. On the roof, the team retrofit a previously inaccessible space by extending elevators, transforming mechanical rooms into amenity space, and reviewing the impact of increased loading of the existing roof.

Impact

With meticulously planned architectural and structural moves, EDG unlocked the potential of the residential tower’s community spaces. The building’s 300+ residents now return home through a distinct landmark piazza, where lively congregation fosters a rich civic space. The plan enhances accessibility, visibility, and capacity – while maximizing retail potential and developing a signature design on the ground plane. Thirty-six floors above, residents enjoy an exquisitely curated 360° panorama of Manhattan’s skyline, accompanied by a pristine pool, lush gardens and pergolas.

Scope

Growing VANS’ “Off-The-Wall” legacy, the leader in footwear and skateboarding sought to open a new store in Herald Square. Located less than 100 yards away from Manhattan’s busiest intersection, the existing four-story, 100+ year old structure required an extensive gut renovation. RGLA engaged EDG for structural design services, including the creation of 20-ft. high ceilings above the retail space, a new elevator installation rising from the basement through fourth floor, a new stairwell installation connecting the first and second floor, and a refreshed storefront conveying the VANS brand.

Approach

The existing structure was a complicated amalgam of previous renovation campaigns, which became an unwieldy patchwork of century-old building materials and techniques mixed with modern construction. With deep knowledge of both historic and modern construction, EDG analyzed the conditions and employed best practices to bring the project vision to fruition. To create the double-height ceilings, EDG removed the third floor in its entirety – a task which required the removal of an exterior masonry wall and load transfer toto a new steel support structure hidden within the walls and ceiling of the second floor below.

Impact

Given the location’s prominence, it was imperative to open the retail space prior to Black Friday. By engaging modern structural analysis software, EDG was able to immediately update designs based on architectural revisions and in-field conditions. Providing constant onsite representation throughout the tight construction schedule, the EDG team was responsive to all unexpected conditions and updates. From initial concept through close out, the entire project was completed in less than six months, with the store opening before Thanksgiving. The exciting new space transformed a complex existing structure into an immersive customer experience center, expanding VANS’ street culture influence in the heart of Manhattan.

Scope

This project involved the creation of a high-end retail space on the high-end street – Madison Avenue. We performed an extensive gut renovation, removing three floors of the structure, and replacing only two, reconfiguring egress to provide more efficient exits, while opening up the floor plan to better suit retail operations, and installing a new elevator. While handling the architectural design, renderings, structural engineering, and filings, we needed to navigate historical code, Landmarks, as well as new building code requirements due to the alterations.

Approach

The result was a first-floor level with the ground (prior ground floor was sunken, making retail access challenging) and second floor located in a position that provided expansive heights on these two floors 100 ft. deep. The design needed to be contextual in color palette, unaggressive in its stature, and its inviting in nature.

Impact

The finished ground floor, with ceiling heights of 17 ft. clear – nearly a perfect square height to width, with a storefront appearing as a single panel of glass, creates the feeling of a “windowless” shopping experience between you and products inside. The design concept transcends the brand, with any retailer projecting their product, here. With barely a hint of the physical separation, the store can be referenced from the street and now the street becomes an extension of the store.

Scope

Concordia College is a private liberal arts school located in Bronxville. The school struggled for a few years to provide additional parking on their campus, because local authorities were concerned about potential traffic and environmental impacts. The client approached us to design parking layout options that would maximize the number of new spaces while minimizing impacts on neighboring properties and landscape. With our designs, Concordia was able to meet with the Mayor and local authorities to discuss potential impacts and gauge political support for the project before navigating the approvals process with the local planning board.

Approach

EDG surveyed the site to determine existing conditions, opportunities and constraints. Work included review of vehicular ingress, egress and internal traffic flow, as well as preparation of schematic plans to demonstrate parking capacity for various layout options. We prepared detailed plans for the chosen layout, including tree replacement, lighting, and stormwater design calculations.

Impact

We increased the parking capacity of the site by over 30% with less than a 20% increase in impervious areas and ultimately provided a more cost-effective solution with a greater parking capacity than offered by other consultants. We also helped the client manage the political side of the approvals process.

Scope

We were invited to submit a proposal for the design of a new, state-of-the-art cybercrimes lab with support spaces for the District Attorney’s Office. Our work included planning, design, specification, cost-estimating, filing, bidding and construction administration services for the 21,000-square-foot project.

Approach

EDG’s project management division is well known for facilitating projects requiring specialty design. For this project, we brought in McClaren Wilson & Lawrie, Inc., an architecture and planning firm specializing in laboratory design. We provided seamless communication and handled the standard complications, while navigating the filing process.

Impact

Drawing from dozens of previous lab designs, MWL created an effective space that met all the goals of the District Attorney’s Office and achieved certification with the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors. Our ability to find and work with the right specialists allows us to take on any project requiring extensive experience and avoid time-consuming learning curves.

Scope

Located in Lower Manhattan, this 23-story, Cass Gilbert landmark was gut renovated, converting the historic office tower into a luxury apartment building. As part of the renovation, EDG performed architectural design and structural engineering services for the enlargement of an existing amenity space within the central portion of the building.

Approach

Renovating a historic building is very challenging, given many unknown conditions. Our client also requested a modern design which complemented the building’s original aesthetic. To meet these challenges, we opened up masonry walls on two sides of the space and cut back existing non-structural piers, creating new connections to adjacent rooms. We then designed a new ceiling system and lighting layout to unify all of the spaces visually. This architectural strategy allowed for an integrated design, balancing both modern and historic elements.

Impact

Using an adjacent one-bedroom apartment, the renovation increased the indoor amenity space by more than 700 sq. ft. At the same time, our design revitalized the 500-sq.ft. courtyard and created a more visual and physical connection between all indoor and outdoor common areas. The result is an expansive, contemporary amenity space, including a fitness center, yoga studio, private dining / event space, lounges, meeting spaces and landscaped terrace.

Scope

Located on First Avenue in the Upper East Side, this 32-story building has a high visibility podium set back from the street on three sides. EDG was asked to perform both structural and architectural services in updating the aging brick façade. Our intent was to replace the façade and weathered storefront with a contemporary and timeless solution, using materials that complement the remaining building and upper tower.

Approach

Peeling back the original façade was a challenge, as there were a host of structural remediation issues which needed to be addressed before we could proceed with a new finish. With our years of experience in restoration and structural engineering, we addressed the issues and designed a new façade with a smooth stucco and limestone finish to enhance the existing building materials. We also designed a structurally-siliconed curtainwall system for the storefront, which provides a clean ribbon of glass for the retail tenants.

Impact

The new façade enlivens a very active corner in a high-density district and adds a new layer of elegance to the structure. The restoration and revitalization of the 160 ft. of façade provide a new backdrop for the building’s occupants and surrounding neighborhood, enriching the plaza and promenade experience for residents, pedestrians and shoppers along the retail edge.

Scope

For this project, we worked with award-winning architectural designer, Steve Blatz. We performed the structural design for the gut renovation of a 6,000-square-foot apartment and a 5,000-square-foot addition of vegetative green roof space and landscaped roof decks. We investigated the existing structure for the remediation of construction defects and managed legal work associated with the penthouse addition and structural support of the green roof and roof decks.

Approach

After finding evidence of issues with the existing construction, we performed probes to identify the defects. Had we waited to investigate the structure, like many consultants do, we would have needed to completely redesign the project during construction, halting work and increasing the budget. This project included extensive interior alterations, where structural work involved a new interior courtyard, interior column removals, and reinforcement of existing structural elements. The roof decks were required to be independently supported so that loading was not transferred to the cast iron frame.

Impact

All of the construction defects were handled without having to demolish any of the existing structure, which saved hundreds of thousands of dollars. All new work was carefully designed so the existing cast iron framing was not used as structural support, and apartments below were not affected. The contractor for the project was impressed by EDG’s communication with them, as well as our focus on constructability, and has since recommended us on several projects.

Scope

Located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, this Landmark residential building is five stories high and has a cellar. EDG performed architectural design and structural engineering services for this gut renovation project. Searching for additional property value, we reviewed possible development scenarios, including recapturing unused floor area and the conversion to high-end residential apartments with an elevator. Ultimately, the renovation of all apartments was performed, recreational space was added to the cellar, and façade repairs were performed on the Landmark façade.

Approach

Renovating an existing building can be very challenging, given the unknown conditions behind walls and within ceilings and floors. A proper probe plan must be developed to assess the existing conditions, pinning down the costs, and avoiding changes during construction. The right contractors who have extensive experience in this type of work are required.

Impact

In addition to the full renovation of all apartments, we worked through all of the design issues to create two large recreation rooms in the cellar. We lowered the cellar floor a foot and a half to a ceiling height of 8 ft., greatly increasing the value of the ground floor units. Due to the renovations, the client’s return on investment is anticipated within two years.

Scope

The Victoria’s Secret retail store in Herald Square recently expanded their ground floor space by 30,000 sq. ft., taking over the entire basement and cellar floor as well as the fourth and fifth floors of the building. As part of the alteration, we designed the renovation to the existing floors, portions of the sidewalk vault space, and the fourth and fifth floors for conversion to storage, requiring a floor load increase. The project also included a sky bridge in the building’s courtyard on the fourth and fifth floors, which required façade alterations.

Approach

Prior to EDG’s involvement, another firm designed a repair to the 100-year-old basement for a new retail space. After reviewing the report and plans, we conducted our own assessment, performing probes and a historical review of the structure, to determine the Building Code construction requirements when the building was constructed in 1909. Prior to even probing the structure, we determined that it had significant additional capacity based on its original design.

Impact

Probes confirmed our expectations; the basement was constructed of very heavy steel and exhibited minimal deterioration. Savings over the original estimates were about 1 million dollars and the work was completed in a fraction of the time, so the store could open earlier than anticipated. Our assessment of the existing construction conditions also allowed for a larger sky bridge for the same cost. This project reflects our commitment to ensuring our clients always receive the most value for their money.

Scope

Kidville is a national Daycare and Learning Center. EDG performed engineering, code and restoration work for three Kidville locations, including gut renovations, new elevators and stairs, extensive alterations, a new mezzanine, a building addition, and a full replacement of a Landmark façade.

Approach

In our initial project meeting, we performed value engineering to reduce the need for additional pile foundations, which would have delayed the schedule and brought the project significantly over budget.

Impact

We use smart design to save our clients money; not all consultants are able to provide that service. Prior to our involvement, an extensive foundation system of piles had been designed. After careful analysis, our value engineering deemed the system unnecessary, saving an estimated $500,000. Our cost-saving solution was the demolition of a heavy brick masonry ground floor, which was replaced by a lightweight wood floor. This allowed for an addition to the building without any foundation reinforcement.

Scope

To celebrate the Year of Italian Culture in the U.S., world-renowned designer Antonio Pio Saracino was commissioned to create a permanent public art project and a symbol of Italy. His work, “The Guardians: Hero and Superhero” stand proudly in the plaza at Three Bryant Park. We assisted friend and fellow architect Saracino in the structural design of the sculptures, pro-bono. The statues are each 13 ft. tall; one is constructed of danby marble and the other of mirror-polished stainless steel.

Approach

While we have designed many structures, including sculptures, this project was extremely unique. Saracino intended the many individual pieces (approximately 125) to appear disconnected. With all elements exposed to view, the structural supports could not be easily hidden, so we focused our attention on the assembly method.

Impact

EDG met the challenge by designing thin support rods and hiding welds with stainless steel covers. We even assessed and reinforced the sculptures for high wind and seismic-induced movement. With proper planning and a diligent team, we met the advanced deadline for installation and achieved the floating appearance Saracino designed.

Scope

We would love to take credit for this beautiful dealership and the beautiful cars, but that’s not what we do. What we do is make sure that money is not wasted on base construction and structure, so the client has enough money left in the budget for a stunning showroom. We were the structural engineers for this project, responsible for the expansion and extensive alterations to the dealership, including a new ramp for access to the second level, rooftop parking storage, column and bearing wall removals, and alterations for a new architectural façade.

Approach

With extensive experience in dealership and parking garage design, EDG has a strong understanding of vehicle storage space requirements and floor loading needs. Whether for new construction or an alteration, we look to design cost effective solutions by exploring all options for the structure. We review all structural aspects of the project and offer more cost effective alternatives to the architectural design. We value-engineer by ensuring the right approach is taken and by understanding the existing construction to best accommodate the alteration.

Impact

We redesigned the ramp in a more convenient and effective location, saving over $300,000 in unnecessary removals and relocation. This also gained valuable space for the showroom area and the vehicle storage area. Time and time again, through our value-engineering, we have found better, more cost-effective solutions, where the savings and increased value cover the cost of our fee.

Scope

Marcus Samuelsson, one of America’s most widely acclaimed chefs and winner of Top Chef Masters, brings his internationally praised signature cuisine to his Harlem Restaurant, Red Rooster. The restaurant and event hall have a floor area totaling over 9,000 sq. ft. and include a kitchen on each level. We worked with noted restaurant interior designers on this project and provided project management, architectural design, code consultation and structural engineering services.

Approach

By researching and thoroughly understanding every aspect of the project, we provided solutions that saved considerable amounts of space, time and money. The client pays for the restaurant per square foot, so we made sure to maximize its potential by carefully space planning for the most seating areas. Filings were meticulously orchestrated to avoid delays in the project. Because the building was existing, we reviewed old code and new building code options to determine which gave us the optimal front of house space.

Impact

Although deemed impossible by other consultants, we obtained an approval for the use of the existing building vault space of almost 2,500 sq. ft., creating enormous value for a restaurant in need of space. Our mark was seen in nearly all aspects of the project, including review of the site for development prior to lease, aiding in selecting the team of consultants and contractors, layout design, management of all filings (including the special permit for the event space), and structural design for extensive interior alterations. We gained over 200 sq. ft. of additional front of house space, and provided constant monitoring of the critical path to the grand opening.